Data on population:
The 2006 Census of Population indicated that 9.3% of the population or 393,8000 persons reported a disability. 62% of these persons had more than one disability. The National Disability Survey 2006 adopted a broader range of disabilities than provided for in the Census, resulting in a total population estimate of 18.5% for persons with a disability. The nine disability types for the purposes of the National Disability Survey are seeing, hearing, speech, mobility and dexterity, memory and concentrating, intellectual and learning, emotional, psychological and mental health, pain and breathing. Males accounted for 48% of those with a disability, while 52% were female. While 11% of those with a disability fell within the 0-17 age group, 36% of people with a disability were aged over 65.

The national organisation representing disabled people at the European level (European Disability Forum) is: People with Disabilities in Ireland, which is a national cross disability organisation funded by the Government.

There are a number of significant national organisations of disabled people, as well as of their families and carers. These include:

The Centre for Independent Living - The Centre for Independent Living was established by and for people with disabilities, with the aim of ensuring that people with disabilities achieved Independent Living, choice and control over their lives and full participation in society as equal citizens. There are 26 Centres nationwide.